Expansion of Basic Services in Jonglei

May 15, 2013

Tractors handed over to support Youth Farmer Associations in Jonglei

“Today is a great day for the people of Jonglei to witness such major development in the areas of justice, health and food security.” Honourable Kuol Manyang Juuk, Governor of Jonglei State officiated the handover to the Government of the Bor High Court, a new laboratory at the Bor state hospital, and 30 tractors with associated equipment and spare parts to help expand food production under the ‘Jonglei Peacebuilding through Food Security programme’ on Wednesday 8 May 2013 with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Increasing Access to Justice
Rule of law is essential for security, economic growth and the provision of social services in South Sudan, providing peaceful resolution of conflict and ensuring the rights of all people are respected.The Bor High Court is staffed by public prosecutors and a resident judge who will serve the entire state and hear appeals from the county courts.The President of the Bor High Court, Honourable Jairo Duot Bior explained the importance of this building, stating “Our people, if they see this building and receive the services they expect from this institution will feel satisfaction that we are achieving what we fought for, what we promised them to do.”

Honourable Justice Attilio Fuad Zolein, on behalf of the Chief Justice acknowledged the support of the Government of Canada, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and UNDP stating “We are able to bring justice and judges to the people of Jonglei with support from Canada and UNDP.”In addition to the High Court, UNDP has supported the South Sudan National Police Service to implement a community policing model and to engage in monthly community rule of law forums that aim to increase awareness of citizens’ rights.The Bor Central Prison and police stations in Bor South, Pochalla and Twic East counties have also been recently completed.

Strengthening the Health System
As Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, UNDP has supported the Ministry of Health in rolling out much-needed infrastructure and services, including the first National Blood Bank, the College of Nursing and Midwifery, and training support for healthcare professionals, as well as strategy development to address HIV/AIDS and providing needed TB and HIV treatment.The new laboratory is one of two built in 2012 in South Sudan and will expand diagnostic services to thousands of patients who previously did not have access to medical technology.Honourable Jehan Mechek Deng, Minister of Health explained “The lab will help us streamline care, identify illness and help doctors treat our patients.”

In addition to the laboratory UNDP, in partnership the Global Fund for TB, Malaria and HIV/AIDS, has also assisted the state Ministry of Health in constructing two ante-natal clinics in Akobo and Pochalla, delivering anti-retroviral therapy through the state hospital and providing TB treatment.UNDP supported investments to enhance the delivery of quality medical services to over 60,000 households across the country in 2012.

Reducing food insecurity and mitigating conflict
Community consultations were held in November 2012 that included customary authorities, county commissioners, state ministers, members of government, religious leaders and community members including women and youth. These consultations identified indigenous and responsive approaches to peacebuilding, including mechanisms to support food production and improve food access to prevent conflict with specific initiatives targeting youth. As a result, UNDP’s Community Security & Arms Control project, with financial support from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, aided the Government’s efforts to target food insecurity and increase economic opportunities for youth.

Thirty tractors and the associated equipment including seeders, combines and mills were provided. UNDP will also continue to assist the Community Security and Small Arms Control Bureau and the Peace Commission in supporting Youth Farmers Associations, peacebuilding trainings and conflict transformation efforts.Mr. Balázs Horváth, UNDP Country Director explained “This handover is more than equipment – these are resources that will empower the community, particularly youth to generate income in a peaceful manner...Simply disarming youth to stop cattle raiding will not eliminate insecurity.It is critical that the root socioeconomic causes of violence be addressed. “

UNDP support in Jonglei
In addition to supporting the Government of Jonglei to expand justice services, strengthen the health system and mitigate food insecurity, UNDP administers the South Sudan Recovery Fund (SSRF) Jonglei State Stabilization programme, which extends state authority into insecure areas through large-scale infrastructure projects.SSRF is currently supporting the construction of a state radio station in Bor with re-transmission sites aiming to reach the 11 counties and construction of the 170km Akobo-Pochalla road.To build the capacity of state institutions, UNDP has embedded 15 specialists through the Rapid Capacity Placement Initiative (RCPI) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which are deployed in the State Ministries of Education, Finance, Labour, Law Enforcement, Local Government and the state hospital to mentor South Sudanese Civil Servants and support the State in economic planning, information technology, engineering, community security and the delivery of medical services.UNDP’s multi-faceted programme supports the goals articulated in the South Sudan Development Plan and the Jonglei State Strategic Plan.